Microsoft Dynamics NAV News & Tips
Dynamics NAV 2009: “Wow! What a Difference a Version Can Make.”

We are back from Directions 2008, the Microsoft Dynamics NAV Partner Conference held annually and we have a lot to talk about! This year was exceptionally exciting due to the imminent release of Dynamics NAV 2009 (formerly known as Dynamics NAV 5.1 and Dynamics NAV 6.0).

While we’ve had pre-release copies for months now to familiarize ourselves with the new user interface and role tailored client, this was our first deeper look at the functionality of each role, and our first real opportunity to ultimately understand how the new interface impacts you, the Dynamics NAV user.

Well I’m here to report, “Wow! What a difference a version can make.” Microsoft has made a tremendous effort to understand the many user roles within a midsized company, and how each role performs their tasks. They’ve interviewed, observed, and tested hundreds of information workers on how they interact with various applications necessary to accomplish their tasks. And they’ve listened!

To be honest, prior to this opportunity for a deeper look, I’m not sure I got it. The “Role Tailored Client” (RTC) is much more than a customized user menu, which is what I expected. Instead, it’s a way for your employees to interact with the system to establish priorities, communicate internally on tasks, and ultimately become more efficient to enable your business growth.

It’s difficult to present a synopsis or even a simple picture of what the Dynamics NAV 2009 RTC really offers. I’m not going to feel bad about that, though, since it took Microsoft 56 pages to present the concept! If you are interested in all of the details on their research and ultimate findings, please download the free whitepaper Microsoft Dynamics Role Tailored Business Productivity (PDF).

Here is a sampling of additional cool features:

• Filter as you type
• User notifications
• Simplified user defined forms
• Office 2007 look, feel, and integration
• Dynamic, active reports with graphing capabilities
• Ability to export reports to Microsoft Excel
• 22 pre-defined user roles
• Web services enablement
• Field editing from within Excel (web service)
• Data entry forms via Microsoft InfoPath 2007 (web service)

Directions also provides an opportunity for Microsoft’s Independent Solution Vendors (ISV) to showcase their applications. Much of the focus this year was on add-ins that are tightly integrated with Dynamics NAV 2009. Some of our favorites include:

• Web Enabled Dynamics NAV CRM
• Workflow
• Document Management
• Advanced Inventory Forecasting & Procurement
• eCommerce Applications
• Mobile Applications for Sales, Service, and Warehouse Management
• Business Intelligence Reporting

Overall it was an excellent conference, a terrific new release, and we look forward to the months ahead!

Stay tuned for important announcements regarding the actual release date and our own insights as we begin to use Dynamics NAV 2009. For immediate questions and previews, please contact Mike Packard, Integrated Computer Systems Support, mikep@ics-support.com.

 

Microsoft has made a tremendous effort to understand the many user roles within a midsized company, and how each role performs their tasks. They’ve interviewed, observed, and tested hundreds of information workers on how they interact with various applications necessary to accomplish their tasks. And they’ve listened!